Friday, May 1, 2020 | View in browser
New Business Guidelines
Beginning May 1, Gov. J.B. Pritzker's modified “Stay at Home” Order allows non-essential retail businesses to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery. Garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries, and animal grooming services will also now be able to reopen as essential businesses.
It's important to help support our local businesses during this difficult time. Curious which Evanston restaurants and shops are offering pickup and delivery services? Check out our list of restaurants and stores.
Help us keep our online Evanston business directory up to date by completing this short survey for your business.
 Face Covering Requirements for Businesses
Employees working in essential businesses and operations that are open to the public or have contact with the public must wear a face covering or mask. Those working in retail stores must follow social distancing requirements and must wear a face covering when they may come within six feet of another employee or customer.
Appropriate face coverings include non-medical grade masks, homemade scarves, bandanas or handkerchiefs.
Learn more about face covering options and Face Covering Guidelines for Businesses.
 Keep Evanston Awesome Raffle
Purchase raffle tickets to raise money for small businesses in Evanston and enter to win $2,250 in gift cards. Tickets are only $10 and the more you buy, the better your chances are to win! All proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be donated to LEND Evanston, which is providing grants to small businesses in Evanston. See additional information and purchase tickets.
 Evanston Loves Video
Evanston has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with courage and compassion. Check out this amazing video by Downtown Evanston and SparkRaw Media, highlighting the support businesses, organizations, and residents have shown one another during this pandemic.
Upcoming Webinars
COVID-19 Resources for Latinx Small Business Owners
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will be hosting a series of webinars focusing on Latinx small businesses in in English or Spanish.
- Thurs., April 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. (English) - Statewide focus with co-host Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Register.
- Tues., May 5 from 1 to 2 p.m. (Spanish) - Rockford focus area with co-host City of Rockford. Register.
- Fri., May 8 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (English, will accept questions in English or Spanish) - Northwest region focus with co-host Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Register.
DCEO will be hosting an “All in for Women” series of webinars focusing on women-owned small businesses.
- Wed., May 6, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Register.
DCEO is conducting a statewide survey to measure the COVID-19 impact on Latinx business owners in Illinois. If you are are a Latinx business owner in Illinois, please consider completing this survey in English or Spanish by May 15.
Emerging Trends: F+B 2020 and Beyond
This webinar on May 5 at 12 p.m. will focus on Food & Beverage Businesses. Across design, branding, and ownership, HD gathers rockstars in the restaurant world to story-tell then and now. Register.
SBA Webinars Available
To keep business owners up to date on SBA programs and services, the SBA Illinois District Office has prepared and recorded two webinars that cover the most recent program information available.
Webinar for a General Overview of all SBA Programs
Webinar for Sole Proprietors and Independent Contractors
 Farmers' Market Kicks Off May 2
The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market will kick off its 45th season on Sat., May 2 at University Place and Oak Avenue! Shoppers can enjoy the market every Saturday through November 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New Guidelines: Farmers’ markets are considered to be essential businesses. To ensure the health and safety of shoppers, vendors and staff, strict guidelines will be followed at the market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will also implement important operational changes.
CDC Guidance to Ensure Water System Safety
Ensure that your water system is safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water. Before reopening your business or building, please review the CDC's guidelines on 8 Steps to take before your business reopens.
Resources
Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook is offering $4,000 grants for eligible small businesses ($2500 cash, $1,500 in optional ads credits) to help during this challenging time. The application deadline is May 6. See additional information and the online application.
Business for All Recovery Grants
Apply for grants up to $50,000 to support business growth, including $10,000 emergency COVID-19 Business for All Grants to help small businesses in crisis. The application deadline is May 14. See additional information and the online application.
New Policies for PPP
New Policies on the Paycheck Protection Program involving a ceiling on loan amount and eligibility of non-depository lenders.
Guidance for Property Managers during COVID-19
In case you missed the webinar from this week, the presentation is available.
Continue to check updated resources in the Evanston Business COVID-19 Resource Checklist.
Connections to the Homeless Hiring Staff
A career at Connections means working and learning alongside the most respected professionals in the industry. See available job postings.
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